When Pundits Eat Their Words: Carragher's Humble Turn on Casemiro
2 February 2026
Context
Jamie Carragher, the Liverpool legend turned Sky Sports pundit, concedes he was wrong in his earlier appraisal of Casemiro, Manchester United’s Brazil midfielder.
Recent Form Sparks Retraction
The apology follows Casemiro’s standout display in United’s dramatic 3-2 win over Fulham, where he scored with a towering header and set up another, as news circulated that he will depart Old Trafford at season’s end.
His current form has helped United secure three consecutive victories under caretaker manager Michael Carrick, marking a striking contrast with the waning performances he showed late in the 2023-24 campaign.
From Criticism to Credit
Carragher’s harsh critique came after United’s 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace in May 2024 under Erik ten Hag, where he suggested Casemiro might have only a handful of high-level matches left and should consider a move to the MLS or the Saudi Pro League.
He reportedly argued that Casemiro should acknowledge this reality, joking that he had to leave football before football leaves him, a line that would be memorable if a pundit’s mic ever stops squeaking.
Two years on, with Casemiro again proving pivotal for United, Carragher told Sky Sports that football had not abandoned him, pointing to recent performances against Arsenal away and Manchester City at Old Trafford as evidence of his resurgence.
The former Liverpool defender added that Casemiro has every right to respond with his own retort, and he tipped his cap to a player who now appears a different, more complete athlete than the one he mocked previously.
Punchlines: 1) If analysis were a transfer window, Carragher just signed humility on a long-term contract. 2) Casemiro’s headers are now so respected, even the pundits are checking their notes before speaking.
